Teacher dies after driver slams into her

Kalaivani Chetty died when an allegedly drunk driver drove into her as she was taking a walk.

Durban - Tributes and messages of condolence have been pouring in for a Ladysmith teacher who died when an allegedly drunk motorist drove on to the pavement and hit her.

A 39-year-old man who was arrested after allegedly fleeing the scene was to appear in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday in connection with the death of Kalaivani Chetty, 50, a teacher at Ladysmith Secondary School.

Chetty and a friend were walking on Willow Drive when the driver of a maroon BMW allegedly drove into her on Monday afternoon.

He allegedly lost control of the car on a bend.

Police spokesman, Colonel Jay Naicker, said the fatality happened as the two women were taking their routine afternoon walk.

Chetty died at the scene while her friend escaped unharmed. Naicker said the driver of the vehicle fled the scene but was later arrested at his home. His vehicle was also impounded.

“It is alleged that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time. He faces charges of driving while under the influence of liquor and culpable homicide,” Naicker said.

Sharaj Ambulance services spokesman, Rajesh Mahabeer, said they arrived within minutes of the incident but Chetty had already died.

Mahabeer said Chetty had severe head injuries.

Chetty was the department head of Afrikaans at Ladysmith Secondary and was also a community leader.

Her death shocked the community.

Many former and current school pupils and residents took to her Facebook page to express their feelings.

Avisha Sidhoo described her as a role model, and as a woman of stature and grace.

School pupil Yaj Moharsingh said Chetty was his inspiration and the reason he enjoyed the Afrikaans lessons.

“I will not walk pass her classroom without remembering her,” he said.